Kilmarnock

1 January 1970

Kilmarnock slideshow

Celtic's injury list for Zenit St Petersburg tie grows with Nir Bitton ruled out for season

Nir Bitton is likely to be out of action for the rest of the season, Brendan Rodgers revealed as he assessed Celtic’s injury-blighted squad prior to Thursday's Europa League meeting with Zenit St Petersburg at Parkhead in the first leg of their round of 32 tie. The Israeli midfielder joins a casualty list that would constitute the better part of a decent domestic team, as the Celtic manager acknowledged wryly when he said: “They could have won a treble last year!” Others out of contention are Craig Gordon, Anthony Ralston, Dedryck Boyata, Stuart Armstrong, Patrick Roberts, Johnny Hayes and Leigh Griffiths. Tom Rogic has been named in the Celtic squad but will not start and could yet be held back for the visit of St Johnstone on Sunday. Marvin Compper is ineligible. “Overall, this year has been - in terms of injuries - tough,” Rodgers said. “Nir Bitton will probably be out for the season which is a blow for us. He has an issue with his knee and probably needs an operation and that is probably him for the rest of the season. It is a shame for Nir because he has been an important member of our squad. “We are hoping some of the others will be back sooner rather than later.” Roberts, on loan from Manchester City, has gone back to his parent club to have a troublesome hamstring injury monitored. Griffiths aside, the forward areas of the team are relatively unscathed, in terms of those who could command a regular starting place, but the Hoops defence is a serious concern, especially against a Zenit side who finished the group stage as top scorers in the competition with 17 goals. Patrick Roberts has returned to Man City for treatment Credit: Reuters Beaten by Kilmarnock in a Scottish Premiership fixture at Rugby Park, Celtic recovered to win 3-2 against Partick Thistle in last weekend’s William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round tie but the Jags got their goals through frailty in the Hoops' back line and came very close to forcing a replay in injury time when Ryan Edwards was thwarted by an outstanding challenge by Kieran Tierney. “You are trying to map out with the players, as often as you can, that you have to be concentrated in every single game you play, but sometimes we give away soft goals purely on concentration level, nothing else,” Rodgers said. “We have shown we can defend really well and normally in the big games we do, but when you come to this level it is different. “Domestically, you can maybe assess the position and come away. At this level you have got to keep checking your space because the minute you come away from it and you don’t check they are gone. “We saw a goal against Bayern Munich like that. Our centre half checks the winger, thinks he is in good position, doesn’t check again for a few seconds and when he looks back he’s gone. Coman is in and scores. “Zenit are a very good team. If you look at how they play, they are what you would consider to be a top European team with speed, power, technique and ability. They obviously have all of that. They will expect to do very, very well in the competition having won five of their six group games to get through to this stage.” Despite superior firepower and a costlier squad than Celtic, if Zenit are at any disadvantage it is that they are coming off a prolonged spell without competitive football since a Russian Premier League fixture away to Akhmat which finished goalless on December 11. Brendan Rodgers is preparing his side for a tough Europa League tie Credit: Reuters When Celtic have been obliged to play early European qualifiers in July, it has been routine to cite the absence of competitive fixtures as a drawback when playing against opponents who are in mid-season. Rodgers, however, declined to accept that the same stricture should apply to Zenit. “The break could maybe freshen them and revitalise them and then they go again,” he said. “It just depends. We have the same experience in pre-season when you are not in top condition, but you can still be at a good level.” Of his opposite number, Roberto Mancini, Rodgers said: "Normally Italian coaches are very much set in a defensive block and their shape is hard to break down. Roberto is a bit more aggressive. Zenit play 4-3-3 and press the game higher at times.” In the absence of so many experienced performers, it would be a significant bonus for Celtic if Moussa Dembele could rediscover his exciting early-season form. James Forrest, on recent form, has the capacity to trouble Mancini’s side but, even in Europe’s secondary tournament, the task facing Celtic remains one that induces a degree of pessimism, even allowing for the legendary backing of the home crowd. Probably line-ups Celtic (4-2-3-1): De Vries; Gamboa, Simunovic, Ajer, Tierney; Ntcham, Brown; Forrest, McGregor, Sinclair; Dembele. Zenit St Petersburg (4-3-3): Lodigin; Criscito, Mevlja, Ivanovic, Smolnikov; Kranevitter, Noboa, Yerokhin; Poloz, Kokorin, Rigoni.

Celtic's injury list for Zenit St Petersburg tie grows with Nir Bitton ruled out for season

Nir Bitton is likely to be out of action for the rest of the season, Brendan Rodgers revealed as he assessed Celtic’s injury-blighted squad prior to Thursday's Europa League meeting with Zenit St Petersburg at Parkhead in the first leg of their round of 32 tie. The Israeli midfielder joins a casualty list that would constitute the better part of a decent domestic team, as the Celtic manager acknowledged wryly when he said: “They could have won a treble last year!” Others out of contention are Craig Gordon, Anthony Ralston, Dedryck Boyata, Stuart Armstrong, Patrick Roberts, Johnny Hayes and Leigh Griffiths. Tom Rogic has been named in the Celtic squad but will not start and could yet be held back for the visit of St Johnstone on Sunday. Marvin Compper is ineligible. “Overall, this year has been - in terms of injuries - tough,” Rodgers said. “Nir Bitton will probably be out for the season which is a blow for us. He has an issue with his knee and probably needs an operation and that is probably him for the rest of the season. It is a shame for Nir because he has been an important member of our squad. “We are hoping some of the others will be back sooner rather than later.” Roberts, on loan from Manchester City, has gone back to his parent club to have a troublesome hamstring injury monitored. Griffiths aside, the forward areas of the team are relatively unscathed, in terms of those who could command a regular starting place, but the Hoops defence is a serious concern, especially against a Zenit side who finished the group stage as top scorers in the competition with 17 goals. Patrick Roberts has returned to Man City for treatment Credit: Reuters Beaten by Kilmarnock in a Scottish Premiership fixture at Rugby Park, Celtic recovered to win 3-2 against Partick Thistle in last weekend’s William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round tie but the Jags got their goals through frailty in the Hoops' back line and came very close to forcing a replay in injury time when Ryan Edwards was thwarted by an outstanding challenge by Kieran Tierney. “You are trying to map out with the players, as often as you can, that you have to be concentrated in every single game you play, but sometimes we give away soft goals purely on concentration level, nothing else,” Rodgers said. “We have shown we can defend really well and normally in the big games we do, but when you come to this level it is different. “Domestically, you can maybe assess the position and come away. At this level you have got to keep checking your space because the minute you come away from it and you don’t check they are gone. “We saw a goal against Bayern Munich like that. Our centre half checks the winger, thinks he is in good position, doesn’t check again for a few seconds and when he looks back he’s gone. Coman is in and scores. “Zenit are a very good team. If you look at how they play, they are what you would consider to be a top European team with speed, power, technique and ability. They obviously have all of that. They will expect to do very, very well in the competition having won five of their six group games to get through to this stage.” Despite superior firepower and a costlier squad than Celtic, if Zenit are at any disadvantage it is that they are coming off a prolonged spell without competitive football since a Russian Premier League fixture away to Akhmat which finished goalless on December 11. Brendan Rodgers is preparing his side for a tough Europa League tie Credit: Reuters When Celtic have been obliged to play early European qualifiers in July, it has been routine to cite the absence of competitive fixtures as a drawback when playing against opponents who are in mid-season. Rodgers, however, declined to accept that the same stricture should apply to Zenit. “The break could maybe freshen them and revitalise them and then they go again,” he said. “It just depends. We have the same experience in pre-season when you are not in top condition, but you can still be at a good level.” Of his opposite number, Roberto Mancini, Rodgers said: "Normally Italian coaches are very much set in a defensive block and their shape is hard to break down. Roberto is a bit more aggressive. Zenit play 4-3-3 and press the game higher at times.” In the absence of so many experienced performers, it would be a significant bonus for Celtic if Moussa Dembele could rediscover his exciting early-season form. James Forrest, on recent form, has the capacity to trouble Mancini’s side but, even in Europe’s secondary tournament, the task facing Celtic remains one that induces a degree of pessimism, even allowing for the legendary backing of the home crowd. Probably line-ups Celtic (4-2-3-1): De Vries; Gamboa, Simunovic, Ajer, Tierney; Ntcham, Brown; Forrest, McGregor, Sinclair; Dembele. Zenit St Petersburg (4-3-3): Lodigin; Criscito, Mevlja, Ivanovic, Smolnikov; Kranevitter, Noboa, Yerokhin; Poloz, Kokorin, Rigoni.

Celtic's injury list for Zenit St Petersburg tie grows with Nir Bitton ruled out for season

Nir Bitton is likely to be out of action for the rest of the season, Brendan Rodgers revealed as he assessed Celtic’s injury-blighted squad prior to Thursday's Europa League meeting with Zenit St Petersburg at Parkhead in the first leg of their round of 32 tie. The Israeli midfielder joins a casualty list that would constitute the better part of a decent domestic team, as the Celtic manager acknowledged wryly when he said: “They could have won a treble last year!” Others out of contention are Craig Gordon, Anthony Ralston, Dedryck Boyata, Stuart Armstrong, Patrick Roberts, Johnny Hayes and Leigh Griffiths. Tom Rogic has been named in the Celtic squad but will not start and could yet be held back for the visit of St Johnstone on Sunday. Marvin Compper is ineligible. “Overall, this year has been - in terms of injuries - tough,” Rodgers said. “Nir Bitton will probably be out for the season which is a blow for us. He has an issue with his knee and probably needs an operation and that is probably him for the rest of the season. It is a shame for Nir because he has been an important member of our squad. “We are hoping some of the others will be back sooner rather than later.” Roberts, on loan from Manchester City, has gone back to his parent club to have a troublesome hamstring injury monitored. Griffiths aside, the forward areas of the team are relatively unscathed, in terms of those who could command a regular starting place, but the Hoops defence is a serious concern, especially against a Zenit side who finished the group stage as top scorers in the competition with 17 goals. Patrick Roberts has returned to Man City for treatment Credit: Reuters Beaten by Kilmarnock in a Scottish Premiership fixture at Rugby Park, Celtic recovered to win 3-2 against Partick Thistle in last weekend’s William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round tie but the Jags got their goals through frailty in the Hoops' back line and came very close to forcing a replay in injury time when Ryan Edwards was thwarted by an outstanding challenge by Kieran Tierney. “You are trying to map out with the players, as often as you can, that you have to be concentrated in every single game you play, but sometimes we give away soft goals purely on concentration level, nothing else,” Rodgers said. “We have shown we can defend really well and normally in the big games we do, but when you come to this level it is different. “Domestically, you can maybe assess the position and come away. At this level you have got to keep checking your space because the minute you come away from it and you don’t check they are gone. “We saw a goal against Bayern Munich like that. Our centre half checks the winger, thinks he is in good position, doesn’t check again for a few seconds and when he looks back he’s gone. Coman is in and scores. “Zenit are a very good team. If you look at how they play, they are what you would consider to be a top European team with speed, power, technique and ability. They obviously have all of that. They will expect to do very, very well in the competition having won five of their six group games to get through to this stage.” Despite superior firepower and a costlier squad than Celtic, if Zenit are at any disadvantage it is that they are coming off a prolonged spell without competitive football since a Russian Premier League fixture away to Akhmat which finished goalless on December 11. Brendan Rodgers is preparing his side for a tough Europa League tie Credit: Reuters When Celtic have been obliged to play early European qualifiers in July, it has been routine to cite the absence of competitive fixtures as a drawback when playing against opponents who are in mid-season. Rodgers, however, declined to accept that the same stricture should apply to Zenit. “The break could maybe freshen them and revitalise them and then they go again,” he said. “It just depends. We have the same experience in pre-season when you are not in top condition, but you can still be at a good level.” Of his opposite number, Roberto Mancini, Rodgers said: "Normally Italian coaches are very much set in a defensive block and their shape is hard to break down. Roberto is a bit more aggressive. Zenit play 4-3-3 and press the game higher at times.” In the absence of so many experienced performers, it would be a significant bonus for Celtic if Moussa Dembele could rediscover his exciting early-season form. James Forrest, on recent form, has the capacity to trouble Mancini’s side but, even in Europe’s secondary tournament, the task facing Celtic remains one that induces a degree of pessimism, even allowing for the legendary backing of the home crowd. Probably line-ups Celtic (4-2-3-1): De Vries; Gamboa, Simunovic, Ajer, Tierney; Ntcham, Brown; Forrest, McGregor, Sinclair; Dembele. Zenit St Petersburg (4-3-3): Lodigin; Criscito, Mevlja, Ivanovic, Smolnikov; Kranevitter, Noboa, Yerokhin; Poloz, Kokorin, Rigoni.

As Celtic seek their first European home win outside qualifying matches under Brendan Rodgers, their manager warned that Zenit St Petersburg are a stronger team than Anderlecht, who were edged out by his men for a place in the Europa League. The tournament sees Zenit – managed by Roberto Mancini who was formerly in charge of Manchester City – come to the east end of Glasgow on Thursday. Rodgers has guided Celtic to successive Champions League group stage appearances and also into the knockout stage of this season’s Europa League, but they have been unable to post a home win in six attempts against Barcelona, Borussia Moenchengladbach, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Anderlecht. Their best group stage performance was the 3-0 victory over Anderlecht in Brussels, but Rodgers’ players lost the subsequent encounter at Parkhead to a Jozo Simunovic own goal. Against Zenit, Rodgers would have preferred to play the first leg in Russia. “Everyone likes the second leg at home. You know what you are playing for then,” said Rodgers. “It’s not the worst to have the first leg at home. You can try to get some sort of advantage. If you can keep a clean sheet, it gives you a real motivation going away. Brendan Rodgers is excited by the challenge his Celtic team will face in the Europa Cup Credit: Getty Images “I have looked at Zenit, and they play slightly differently from Manchester City. At Manchester City, Roberto had very much a defensive block with quality players. “It was 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 at times. This team is very clearly 4-3-3. They press the game. It is certainly a change from how his Man City team played. “Branislav Ivanovic is there, who I worked with at Chelsea. He has gone back out there and is a real linchpin for the team. He has still got good legs and strength and power and experience. “He is playing as a centre-half. That was his actual position when they brought him in to Chelsea. He ended up playing a lot at right-back and doing really well there. It is a really difficult game for us. They are a very good side.” In other circumstances, Rodgers’ CV would have included a spell as Mancini’s No 2. “Roberto had his first season at Manchester City, and I was asked to come and speak to them about maybe going in there to assist and work,” he said. “I flew out to Italy to meet him at the end of the season. We had a chat out there, then I came back, and it was a case of the Swansea position coming up, and I think Roberto was probably wanting his own man in as well. It worked out that I went to Swansea and Roberto had David Platt, whom he knew from Sampdoria.” Celtic extended the defence of their treble of domestic honours with a home victory over Partick Thistle in the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup yesterday. In contrast to their performance in the 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park the previous weekend, they got off to a racing start with a James Forrest double, the second of which saw the winger run from the halfway line for a right-foot finish beyond goalkeeper Tomas Cerny. Kyle Lafferty celebrated scoring a brace for Hearts 3-0 win over St Johnstone Credit: PA The Jags looked beaten but were revived when Simunovic played an attempted a pass back to Dorus de Vries straight into the path of Kris Doolan, who marked his 350th appearance for Thistle with a first-time left-foot chip over De Vries. When Forrest netted his hat-trick after the break, Celtic looked safe, but Connor Sammon revived Thistle’s hopes with a late close-range strike, and it took a tackle by Kieran Tierney and a clutch on the line by De Vries to prevent Ryan Edwards stealing a draw in injury time. Also into the quarter-finals are Hearts, whose 3-0 home win over St Johnstone included a Kyle Lafferty brace, and Kilmarnock, who ended Brora Rangers’ progress with a 4-0 win over at Rugby Park. The other Highland League team, Cove Rangers, were beaten 3-1 at home by Falkirk, while in the all-Premiership collision at Dens Park, Dundee lost 2-0 to Motherwell. The remaining tie of the day was at Cappielow, where Morton prevailed against their trans-Clyde rivals, Dumbarton, with goals from Frank Ross, Jack Iredale and Bob McHugh. Today’s games see Ayr United at home to Rangers and Aberdeen against Dundee United at Pittodrie, where the quarter-final draw will be made.

As Celtic seek their first European home win outside qualifying matches under Brendan Rodgers, their manager warned that Zenit St Petersburg are a stronger team than Anderlecht, who were edged out by his men for a place in the Europa League. The tournament sees Zenit – managed by Roberto Mancini who was formerly in charge of Manchester City – come to the east end of Glasgow on Thursday. Rodgers has guided Celtic to successive Champions League group stage appearances and also into the knockout stage of this season’s Europa League, but they have been unable to post a home win in six attempts against Barcelona, Borussia Moenchengladbach, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Anderlecht. Their best group stage performance was the 3-0 victory over Anderlecht in Brussels, but Rodgers’ players lost the subsequent encounter at Parkhead to a Jozo Simunovic own goal. Against Zenit, Rodgers would have preferred to play the first leg in Russia. “Everyone likes the second leg at home. You know what you are playing for then,” said Rodgers. “It’s not the worst to have the first leg at home. You can try to get some sort of advantage. If you can keep a clean sheet, it gives you a real motivation going away. Brendan Rodgers is excited by the challenge his Celtic team will face in the Europa Cup Credit: Getty Images “I have looked at Zenit, and they play slightly differently from Manchester City. At Manchester City, Roberto had very much a defensive block with quality players. “It was 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 at times. This team is very clearly 4-3-3. They press the game. It is certainly a change from how his Man City team played. “Branislav Ivanovic is there, who I worked with at Chelsea. He has gone back out there and is a real linchpin for the team. He has still got good legs and strength and power and experience. “He is playing as a centre-half. That was his actual position when they brought him in to Chelsea. He ended up playing a lot at right-back and doing really well there. It is a really difficult game for us. They are a very good side.” In other circumstances, Rodgers’ CV would have included a spell as Mancini’s No 2. “Roberto had his first season at Manchester City, and I was asked to come and speak to them about maybe going in there to assist and work,” he said. “I flew out to Italy to meet him at the end of the season. We had a chat out there, then I came back, and it was a case of the Swansea position coming up, and I think Roberto was probably wanting his own man in as well. It worked out that I went to Swansea and Roberto had David Platt, whom he knew from Sampdoria.” Celtic extended the defence of their treble of domestic honours with a home victory over Partick Thistle in the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup yesterday. In contrast to their performance in the 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park the previous weekend, they got off to a racing start with a James Forrest double, the second of which saw the winger run from the halfway line for a right-foot finish beyond goalkeeper Tomas Cerny. Kyle Lafferty celebrated scoring a brace for Hearts 3-0 win over St Johnstone Credit: PA The Jags looked beaten but were revived when Simunovic played an attempted a pass back to Dorus de Vries straight into the path of Kris Doolan, who marked his 350th appearance for Thistle with a first-time left-foot chip over De Vries. When Forrest netted his hat-trick after the break, Celtic looked safe, but Connor Sammon revived Thistle’s hopes with a late close-range strike, and it took a tackle by Kieran Tierney and a clutch on the line by De Vries to prevent Ryan Edwards stealing a draw in injury time. Also into the quarter-finals are Hearts, whose 3-0 home win over St Johnstone included a Kyle Lafferty brace, and Kilmarnock, who ended Brora Rangers’ progress with a 4-0 win over at Rugby Park. The other Highland League team, Cove Rangers, were beaten 3-1 at home by Falkirk, while in the all-Premiership collision at Dens Park, Dundee lost 2-0 to Motherwell. The remaining tie of the day was at Cappielow, where Morton prevailed against their trans-Clyde rivals, Dumbarton, with goals from Frank Ross, Jack Iredale and Bob McHugh. Today’s games see Ayr United at home to Rangers and Aberdeen against Dundee United at Pittodrie, where the quarter-final draw will be made.

As Celtic seek their first European home win outside qualifying matches under Brendan Rodgers, their manager warned that Zenit St Petersburg are a stronger team than Anderlecht, who were edged out by his men for a place in the Europa League. The tournament sees Zenit – managed by Roberto Mancini who was formerly in charge of Manchester City – come to the east end of Glasgow on Thursday. Rodgers has guided Celtic to successive Champions League group stage appearances and also into the knockout stage of this season’s Europa League, but they have been unable to post a home win in six attempts against Barcelona, Borussia Moenchengladbach, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Anderlecht. Their best group stage performance was the 3-0 victory over Anderlecht in Brussels, but Rodgers’ players lost the subsequent encounter at Parkhead to a Jozo Simunovic own goal. Against Zenit, Rodgers would have preferred to play the first leg in Russia. “Everyone likes the second leg at home. You know what you are playing for then,” said Rodgers. “It’s not the worst to have the first leg at home. You can try to get some sort of advantage. If you can keep a clean sheet, it gives you a real motivation going away. Brendan Rodgers is excited by the challenge his Celtic team will face in the Europa Cup Credit: Getty Images “I have looked at Zenit, and they play slightly differently from Manchester City. At Manchester City, Roberto had very much a defensive block with quality players. “It was 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 at times. This team is very clearly 4-3-3. They press the game. It is certainly a change from how his Man City team played. “Branislav Ivanovic is there, who I worked with at Chelsea. He has gone back out there and is a real linchpin for the team. He has still got good legs and strength and power and experience. “He is playing as a centre-half. That was his actual position when they brought him in to Chelsea. He ended up playing a lot at right-back and doing really well there. It is a really difficult game for us. They are a very good side.” In other circumstances, Rodgers’ CV would have included a spell as Mancini’s No 2. “Roberto had his first season at Manchester City, and I was asked to come and speak to them about maybe going in there to assist and work,” he said. “I flew out to Italy to meet him at the end of the season. We had a chat out there, then I came back, and it was a case of the Swansea position coming up, and I think Roberto was probably wanting his own man in as well. It worked out that I went to Swansea and Roberto had David Platt, whom he knew from Sampdoria.” Celtic extended the defence of their treble of domestic honours with a home victory over Partick Thistle in the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup yesterday. In contrast to their performance in the 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park the previous weekend, they got off to a racing start with a James Forrest double, the second of which saw the winger run from the halfway line for a right-foot finish beyond goalkeeper Tomas Cerny. Kyle Lafferty celebrated scoring a brace for Hearts 3-0 win over St Johnstone Credit: PA The Jags looked beaten but were revived when Simunovic played an attempted a pass back to Dorus de Vries straight into the path of Kris Doolan, who marked his 350th appearance for Thistle with a first-time left-foot chip over De Vries. When Forrest netted his hat-trick after the break, Celtic looked safe, but Connor Sammon revived Thistle’s hopes with a late close-range strike, and it took a tackle by Kieran Tierney and a clutch on the line by De Vries to prevent Ryan Edwards stealing a draw in injury time. Also into the quarter-finals are Hearts, whose 3-0 home win over St Johnstone included a Kyle Lafferty brace, and Kilmarnock, who ended Brora Rangers’ progress with a 4-0 win over at Rugby Park. The other Highland League team, Cove Rangers, were beaten 3-1 at home by Falkirk, while in the all-Premiership collision at Dens Park, Dundee lost 2-0 to Motherwell. The remaining tie of the day was at Cappielow, where Morton prevailed against their trans-Clyde rivals, Dumbarton, with goals from Frank Ross, Jack Iredale and Bob McHugh. Today’s games see Ayr United at home to Rangers and Aberdeen against Dundee United at Pittodrie, where the quarter-final draw will be made.

Craig Levein was accused by Brendan Rodgers of having an obsession about Scott Brown, after the Hearts manager returned once again to the subject of Celtic’s captain and his combative style of play. Levein had previously voiced concern about a challenge by Brown on Harry Cochrane, which put the 16-year-old Hearts midfielder out of the game with a collarbone injury before half-time in Celtic’s 3-1 victory at Parkhead on January 30. Rodgers retorted that the decision to field the teenager in such a high-intensity game was questionable, although Cochrane had scored in Hearts’ 4-0 win over the champions at Tynecastle in December. Celtic lost their second domestic match under Rodgers on Saturday at Kilmarnock, with Brown booked in the 73rd minute, prompting him to say afterwards, in reference to Levein: “He has done his job, hasn’t he? I was booked with my first foul and that is exactly what Craig was looking to do.” Levein, however, postulated the theory that Brown had deliberately drawn a yellow card to manipulate the disciplinary process ahead of the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on March 11. “If Scott didn’t get booked against Kilmarnock and got booked against St Johnstone [on 18 February] then he’d miss the Rangers game,” Levein said. The former Scotland boss added: “I’m not trying to irritate anybody. I’m just pointing stuff out. Scott Brown mentioned last week that he got booked because of me bringing to attention his proclivity to foul people. I disagree with that. “I’m just pointing out things that are obvious. I think you’ll find that his intentions were always to get himself booked in that game so he didn’t miss the Rangers match. “That sort of things happens all the time. Anybody who is sensible would look at the situation if there is a particular game they want to play in and know they need to get booked to miss a game prior to that. I did it myself when I was playing, so it happens. I don’t know Scott’s intentions, but I’m just pointing out the fact. That’s all.” Levein’s comments evoked scorn from Rodgers, who said: “He is obviously fairly obsessed by our captain. It is a credit to Scott that you’ve got another manager, who is not even playing against him, talking about him. “If that is what has been said – and I haven’t seen it yet, so I have to see it – then he might have something to answer on that.” Whether or not that was a hint to the Scottish Football Association to consider a disrepute charge against Levein is a moot point, but the long-distance exchanges might not yet have run their course. In the meantime, Celtic will attempt to expunge the memory of last weekend’s anaemic display at Rugby Park by defending one of the three trophies in their possession when they meet Partick Thistle at home in the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round on Saturday. Rodgers expressed gratitude for the rare absence of a midweek fixture. “It’s been brilliant. It was good, obviously, after the game to give the players two days off and then we were back in working,” he said. “We’ve had a great week’s training and been able to do some work which is very important. We’re now looking forward to the schedule ahead.” There was mixed news, meanwhile, about the lengthy casualty list at Parkhead. “It’s just unfortunate,” Rodgers said. “Kris Ajer should be fine, but he hurt his Achilles last week which was the same injury Nir Bitton had earlier on in the season on that surface [Rugby Park], where you can land awkwardly and it just disrupts you. “The squad is starting to piece itself back together even though we still have some injuries. We have players starting to return and hopefully that will make us really strong for the last part of the season. “We try to not cry about it or moan about it, but certainly it is a factor and it doesn’t help when there is constant change in certain areas of the field.”

Steve Clarke has already played down speculation linking him with the vacant position of Scotland manager but his lustre will be enhanced by Kilmarnock’s unexpected success against Celtic on Saturday, winning 1-0 at Rugby Park, where Youssouf Mulumbu scored the only goal. The Ayrshire side remain closer to the relegation zone than the higher reaches of the Scottish Premiership but their weekend win saw them into the top half of the division. That prospect looked remote during Lee McCulloch’s spell in charge earlier in the season, when Killie lost 5-0 to Celtic at Parkhead in the Betfred Scottish League Cup and 2-0 at home in the league, but under Clarke they have now drawn with Celtic and Rangers in Glasgow and beaten both Old Firm teams at Rugby Park. Clarke had been away from Scottish football for 30 years prior to the return to his native Ayrshire and in his 11 years as a Chelsea defender he won FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup medals as well as making six appearances for Scotland. Coaching and management experience followed at Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, West Brom, Reading and Aston Villa, so it would be no surprise if the Scottish Football Association should take more than a passing interest in the 54-year-old. Not that the possibility is welcome amongst the Kilmarnock players. “If it happens, he does have credentials,” said Jamie MacDonald. The goalkeeper added: “It’s been a long time since Scotland’s been to an international tournament and that’s something we hope will be addressed in the coming years, but for purely selfish reasons I hope he’s here in the long run.’’ Pressed to identify how Clarke has transformed Kilmarnock’s fortunes, MacDonald said: “Everybody asks this and I don’t think anybody can give you a proper answer. He just makes everything so simple in terms of knowing what you’re doing. “Football’s not a difficult game as such. It’s us players who seem to make it more difficult. We worked on our shape all week, what we were going to do to combat Celtic, what we would do when we got the ball back – little simple things – but he doesn’t overdo it. Football players only need to take in little bits at a time, to be honest.” The occasion was one of singularities. Kilmarnock had not beaten Celtic since October 2012 and Mulumba – who was the subject of a transfer bid from Bordeaux last week – had not scored since March 15, 2014, when he was on target for West Brom in a 2-1 win at Swansea. “It was a great ball from Jordan Jones and Youssuf found a bit of space,” said MacDonald. “It was a composed finish as well, especially taking it first time on the astro, because it can sometimes check up a little bit. You can tell the quality he has – although the boys are having a bit of a joke, saying he only turns up for the TV games.” Celtic, it must be said, could have cited exculpatory reasons for what was only their second domestic defeat during Brendan Rodgers’ 20 months in charge. The early loss to injury of two of their three starting central defenders – Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer – plus the inhibiting tendencies of Rugby Park’s much-used artificial 3G pitch were undoubtedly disruptive, but it is a measure of the mindset instilled by Rodgers that Celtic declined to use those factors to excuse a performance which was their poorest against domestic opposition under his supervision. Celtic had 69% of possession but it took them until the 87th minute to force the first of two corner kicks. Their single shot on target did not arrive until the 90th minute when Olivier Ntcham’s free-kick was blocked by MacDonald. Had Jones, Malumba and Kirk Broadfoot taken all of the clear chances that came their way Celtic would have sustained a setback on the scale of the 4-0 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle in December which ended their run of successive unbeaten domestic fixtures after 69 outings. On that occasion, though, the champions had four attempts on target and were ahead on the corner-kick count by full time. “We did create more in the Hearts game,” said James Forrest, the Celtic winger. “We know as a team that it wasn’t good enough on Saturday and we just have to rectify that next week against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup. “Then the game after that is the Europa League against Zenit St Petersburg so we know we have to try to turn it around. We do play a lot of games but the manager does change it to help the boys get a rest. We have a strong squad and we will be able to cope with that.”

Pep Guardiola will seal the £57 million capture of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte in the next 48 hours. Manchester City have triggered Laporte’s release clause and the France under-21 international is expected to have a medical on Tuesday, in a deal which will be a club transfer record. Laporte has been a priority target for Guardiola since his appointment at the Etihad Stadium and City believe the 23-year-old represents an excellent signing for the future. City are also continuing talks with Shakthar Donetsk over a £45m deal for midfielder Fred, with the option of loaning him back for the remainder of the season. Shakthar are reluctant to lose the Brazilian international this season and City are happy to agree a deal which brings him to Manchester after the World Cup. Watford in for Troy Deeney Alan Pardew has tabled a £16m bid for Watford striker Troy Deeney. Could Troy Deeney be on his way out of Watford? Credit: GETTY IMAGES Pardew, the West Brom head coach, is making a big play for Deeney and has been backed by the club’s hierarchy despite doubts over the future of Jonny Evans. Watford would be reluctant to sell Deeney to a perceived “relegation rival” but West Brom’s offer is significant and Pardew is hoping to sort a deal before Wednesday’s deadline. West Brom are on the brink of completing the signing of Egypt international Ali Gabr on loan, after the defender had a medical on Sunday. West Ham to sell striker to Ligue 1 side West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is set to complete a £4m move to Rennes on Monday. Sakho will join the Ligue 1 side after a difficult three-and-a-half years with the Hammers, following his £3.5m move from Metz in the summer of 2014. West Ham’s £15m bid for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has been rejected by the Championship club. Norwich have slapped a £20m price tag on England under-21 international James Maddison and are determined to keep him at Carrow Road until the summer at least. Monaco ready to sign Italian wonderkid Monaco have beaten Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus to sign 16-year-old Pietro Pellegri from Genoa for £17.5million. It is the second highest fee ever paid, in world football, for a player of his age after the £40.3million paid last May by Real Madrid for Vinicius Junior but he will remain at the Brazilian club, Flamengo, until he is 19. January 2018 transfer window Bournemouth are weighing up a £6m bid for Brentford attacker Ollie Watkins, after a personal scouting mission by Eddie Howe. Watkins was watched by Howe, the Bournemouth manager, in Brentford’s 1-0 home defeat to Norwich on Saturday and the Cherries are considering an offer. Aston Villa’s £5m midfielder Aaron Tshibola is signing for Kilmarnock on loan. Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke rates Tshibola from his time at Reading and Villa.

Man City poised to seal £57m Aymeric Laporte signing

Pep Guardiola will seal the £57 million capture of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte in the next 48 hours. Manchester City have triggered Laporte’s release clause and the France under-21 international is expected to have a medical on Tuesday, in a deal which will be a club transfer record. Laporte has been a priority target for Guardiola since his appointment at the Etihad Stadium and City believe the 23-year-old represents an excellent signing for the future. City are also continuing talks with Shakthar Donetsk over a £45m deal for midfielder Fred, with the option of loaning him back for the remainder of the season. Shakthar are reluctant to lose the Brazilian international this season and City are happy to agree a deal which brings him to Manchester after the World Cup. Watford in for Troy Deeney Alan Pardew has tabled a £16m bid for Watford striker Troy Deeney. Could Troy Deeney be on his way out of Watford? Credit: GETTY IMAGES Pardew, the West Brom head coach, is making a big play for Deeney and has been backed by the club’s hierarchy despite doubts over the future of Jonny Evans. Watford would be reluctant to sell Deeney to a perceived “relegation rival” but West Brom’s offer is significant and Pardew is hoping to sort a deal before Wednesday’s deadline. West Brom are on the brink of completing the signing of Egypt international Ali Gabr on loan, after the defender had a medical on Sunday. West Ham to sell striker to Ligue 1 side West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is set to complete a £4m move to Rennes on Monday. Sakho will join the Ligue 1 side after a difficult three-and-a-half years with the Hammers, following his £3.5m move from Metz in the summer of 2014. West Ham’s £15m bid for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has been rejected by the Championship club. Norwich have slapped a £20m price tag on England under-21 international James Maddison and are determined to keep him at Carrow Road until the summer at least. Monaco ready to sign Italian wonderkid Monaco have beaten Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus to sign 16-year-old Pietro Pellegri from Genoa for £17.5million. It is the second highest fee ever paid, in world football, for a player of his age after the £40.3million paid last May by Real Madrid for Vinicius Junior but he will remain at the Brazilian club, Flamengo, until he is 19. January 2018 transfer window Bournemouth are weighing up a £6m bid for Brentford attacker Ollie Watkins, after a personal scouting mission by Eddie Howe. Watkins was watched by Howe, the Bournemouth manager, in Brentford’s 1-0 home defeat to Norwich on Saturday and the Cherries are considering an offer. Aston Villa’s £5m midfielder Aaron Tshibola is signing for Kilmarnock on loan. Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke rates Tshibola from his time at Reading and Villa.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.

January 2018 transfer window: Your Premier League club-by-club guide

Arsenal Will they be busy? Probably not but the situation could change rapidly if there are sizeable bids for any of their three first-team regulars – Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere – who are out of contract in June. In need of Even if Sanchez does leave, it is central midfield and what is now an ageing group of central defenders where Arsenal could most use astute investment. Arsenal’s main focus, though, remains Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. Shipping out As well as the three biggest players out of contract, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina must also be considering their own situations and lack of Premier League action in this World Cup season. Unexpected solution Wenger rarely buys players in their thirties but Jonny Evans reaches that mark on Wednesday and is of interest. Theo Walcott may be heading towards the door marked 'exit' during the January transfer window Credit: Action Images Bournemouth Will they be busy? Eddie Howe always looks first to what he should do on the training ground and, while happy with his squad when fully fit, the number of injuries is a concern and may force action later in the window. In need of Howe has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with his strikers but he has no players with more than three Premier League goals this season and could also improve his team by adding central midfield quality. Shipping out Bournemouth have five strikers and so, even with Jermain Defoe injured, could manage without Lys Mousset, who would surely benefit from a spell out on loan and more first-team football experience. Unexpected solution Danny Ings began his career at Bournemouth and needs regular football after playing only three times this season for Liverpool. Eddie Howe may be looking to strengthen his forward line Credit: REUTERS Brighton & Hove Albion Will they be busy? Not if you believe manager Chris Hughton, who has said that Brighton will do “minimal” business this month. The summer outlays on the likes of Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper show the club is not afraid to splash out if they find the right player, however. In need of Having scored just 15 goals all season, the third worst tally in the league, a striker is clearly the priority. There has been speculation linking Brighton with a move for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, even if they are likely to face competition for his signature. Shipping out Brighton will expect to be able to keep hold of their key players after such an impressive start to the season. The departures are likely to be lesser-known figures who have struggled to make an impact this season, such as winger Jiri Skalak. Unexpected solution The former QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker Loic Remy has proven Premier League quality, and has been told he can leave La Liga side Las Palmas. It is surely worth testing the water with Liverpool to see if Danny Ings may be available on loan. Loic Remy has a proven track record in the Premier League, but will he be joining Brighton soon? Credit: REUTERS Burnley Will they be busy? With Robbie Brady uncertain to play again this season after tearing a tendon in his left knee, Sean Dyche is in the market for a left winger who can fill the void left by the Irishman. Burnley are also short in central defence and may move for another centre-back. In need of Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock and Northern Ireland winger Jordan Jones but Dyche is not expecting to do any business early in the window as he wait to see what develops. Shipping out Burnley face a battle to keep hold of James Tarkowski but have no interest in selling the centre-half, who has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. Midfielders Scott Arfield and Dean Marney are out of contract at the end of the season but Burnley are in talks with the pair about their futures. Unexpected solution Chris Brunt. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season and would be an ideal fit for Burnley’s problems in left midfield. He could also offer cover at left back. Burnley defender James Tarkowski has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea Credit: PA Chelsea Will they be busy? Chelsea certainly want to make two or three signings to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad. It is well documented Conte did not get everything he wanted during the summer and there are still gaps the Italian will try to fill. In need of Other than making another move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Conte remains a big admirer of left-back Alex Sandro, who wants to leave Juventus but is also a target for Manchester United. Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is also on Chelsea’s radar, but the Ligue 1 club want to keep him until the summer. Shipping out Michy Batshuayi could be allowed to leave on loan, or possibly permanently, if Chelsea manage to sign another forward to help out Alvaro Morata. Kenedy is also available for loan, while Charly Musonda could be allowed to spend the rest of the season at another club. Unexpected solution Jamie Vardy would be an excellent signing to bolster Conte’s forward options. Antonio Conte is expected to add to his squad during this month's transfer window Credit: Getty Images Crystal Palace Will they be busy? It will be a case of addressing some of the mistakes of the summer, especially when Frank De Boer left the club dreadfully short of strikers, and a top goalkeeper. In need of Strikers, and more than one. Would love Danny Ings or Theo Walcott on loan but both highly unlikely. In the market for a first choice goalkeeper with Bartosz Bialkowski of Ipswich Town mentioned. Also a left-back and holding midfielder. Shipping out The club captain Jason Puncheon has been out of favour since November and could move on. He was charged with assault in December. Offers for Wilfried Zaha will be refused. Unexpected solution Could Roy Hodgson persuade Daniel Sturridge to resurrect his career with a short loan? Daniel Sturridge could leave Liverpool this month, but will he be heading to Selhurst Park? Credit: REX FEATURES Everton Will they be busy? Yes. Sam Allardyce has stated he wants at least three players. Despite a massive splurge last summer Everton’s squad is lop-sided. The imbalance cost Ronald Koeman his job and although Allardyce has made them tough to beat, they do not score enough. In need of Frst and foremost a striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has performed admirably but he is a work in progress. Spanish striker Sandro has been ineffective and Wayne Rooney plays deeper. They need goals. Shipping out There are many fretting about their future. It is hard to imagine Kevin Mirallas hanging around. Davy Klaassen has barely featured since Koeman’s sacking. Then there is Ross Barkley. He nearly left last summer and Everton would like to cash in if he is no longer committed. Unexpected solution Steven N’zonzi may not be too unexpected given his previous history with Allardyce, but given it will mean some midfielders will need to make way it could ensure Everton remain proactive until deadline day. Expect some juggling of personnel and finances over the next few weeks. Sam Allardyce may end up posing alongside one or two players holding up the Everton jersey in the next month Credit: Getty Images Huddersfield Town Will they be busy? David Wagner’s success is built on strong team spirit and he admitted in the summer that he had spent all of his transfer budget so new signings would seem unlikely. In need of Huddersfield’s game plan depends on them being strong defensively with a high energy pressing game, so an experienced defender and a young, box-to-box midfielder might be useful Shipping out Goalkeeper Rob Green has not played a single minute of first team football since he arrived from Leeds and could attract loan interest. Veteran midfielder Dean Whitehead has also found himself on the fringes this season. Unexpected solution Wagner has used the loan market well in the past and if he decides to turn either Jonas Lossi or Elias Kachunga’s temporary moves into permanent deals a loan deal for young Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn could make sense. David Wagner could turn to his old friend Jurgen Klopp in an effort to take Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool Credit: Getty Images Leicester City Will they be busy? Leicester's recruitment has been under scrutiny for the past three windows and Claude Puel has indicated that signings will be made. There will also be a determination to move players through the exit door. In need of Right-back is a priority position, even before Danny Simpson's injury. Benfica's Andre Almeida and Bournemouth's Adam Smith are options. Centre-half is also a position that needs filling, due to Wes Morgan and Robert Huth's advancing years, while a specialist 'No 10' is a Puel requirement: Hatem Ben Arfa looks most likely. Shipping out This is where Leicester are likely to be the most active. Islam Slimani, the record signing, has many options while Ahmed Musa, Yohan Benalouane and Eldin Jakupovic could also be loaned out or sold. Musa, in particular, badly needs a move with the World Cup looming for Nigeria. Unexpected solution Adrien Silva - remember him? The £22m summer signing will finally be eligible in January. It has been a long wait for the midfielder, after that 14-second cock-up. Adrien Silva will finally get to play for Leicester City following the long wait Credit: Getty Images Liverpool Will they be busy? Yes, partly by choice, also by compulsion. Barcelona will try again for Philippe Coutinho although they will have to find far more than £115 million for Liverpool to listen. At least Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for a centre-half has ended before the window officially opens. In need of A centre-back. The problem when Klopp arrived at Liverpool and the problem in Klopp’s first full season at Liverpool is still the problem in Klopp’s second full season at Liverpool. His attack needs to win games twice as his defence and keeper is untrustworthy. But the £75 million for Virgil van Dijk has already been spent. Shipping out A dilemma may present itself with Coutinho. He still wants to leave and Klopp must be at his diplomatic best to ensure an old back injury does not flare up. Daniel Sturridge will want regular football, especially with his England place under threat. Danny Ings needs a loan move and Ben Woodburn may be offered the chance of a senior football for the rest of the season. Unexpected solution Danny Ward. If Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are unable to play 10 consecutive games without making a game-changing error, is the solution within? Third-choice Ward has not yet had a chance to stake his claim. Liverpool simply keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho may end up representing a decent transfer window Credit: Getty Images Manchester City Will they be busy? Pep Guardiola has made the recruitment of a centre-half a priority as he bids to bolster his defence given Vincent Kompany’s continuing injury woes. City are likely to wait until the summer before moving for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and a defensive midfielder. In need of Having been missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, City are now stepping up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez, who has a £28 million release clause. West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans is a fall-back option. Shipping out Eliaquim Mangala will be allowed to leave if City secure a new centre-back, with Lille among those interested in the France defender, who cost £42 million from Porto in 2014. City will resist any loan offers for teenage midfielder Phil Foden. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere. There is nothing to suggest City are still interested in the Arsenal midfielder but he is out of contract at the end of the season, and although he has said he expects to sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, his skillset might suit Guardiola. Inigo Martinez, the Real Sociedad central defender, has been linked with a move to league leaders Manchester City Credit: Getty Images Manchester United Will they be busy? Not according to Jose Mourinho, who said this week that he doubts the club will sign anyone in the winter transfer window. The United manager wants two new full-backs, at least one midfielder, a wide player and a No 10 but may have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business. In need of United are one of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, thought to be tracking £44 million rated Bordeaux forward Malcom. Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Alex Sandro of Juventus are among the left-backs United have been linked with. Mourinho is interest in Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be a free agent in the summer. Shipping out United hope to tie Marouane Fellaini to a new deal but the Belgium international midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk to foreign suitors from Jan 1. Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces an uncertain future. United would listen to offers for full-backs Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind although Luke Shaw has suddenly returned to favour. Unexpected solution Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Switzerland international right-back, 33, is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season. He would not be a long-term solution but he is an experienced, quality defender who could help ease the burden on Antonio Valencia at right back. Marouane Fellaini has yet to agree a new deal at Manchester United and is understood to be holding out for £170,000 a week Credit: Getty Images Newcastle United Will they be busy? Rafael Benitez would certainly like to be and has asked for three or four new faces in January. He has been told there is money to spend, he just does not know how much. It is unlikely to be much more than £20m, which means the loan market is important. In need of Benitez would like another centre-forward, two defenders and a winger and has expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, Middlesbrough's Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Kenedy. He has also enquired about Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. Shipping out Despite trimming the wage bill at the end of the summer window, Newcastle would like to free up more money to improve the squad by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jack Colback. If he does, he will have far more financial muscle to recruit. Unexpected solution Newcastle have been interested in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi before and he continues to be out of favour under Antonio Conte. He would certainly improve Newcastle’s offensive game if he was allowed to move to Tyneside on loan. Will Manchester United allow Luke Shaw to join Newcastle United this month? Credit: Reuters Southampton Will they be busy? Yes. The transfer of Virgil van Dijk has generated a massive surge of income at a time when the club have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They now intend to be quickly active. In need of Striker and central defence. The attacking positions are the priority and Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosum and Christian Benteke are all being considered, as is Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Shipping out Some of the younger players who have still not quite broken regularly into the first team, such as Matt Targett and Sam Gallagher, could be considered as part of other deals. Unexpected solution Karl Toko Ekambi at Angers is close to what Southampton need and might be more attainable. Mauricio Pellegrino and Southampton are expected to spend some of their income from the Virgil van Dijk transfer this month Credit: Getty Images Stoke City Will they be busy? Mark Hughes' position as manager remains precarious and he wants two or three signings to strengthen his squad. Money will not be significant and any moves are likely to be loans. In need of This Stoke squad still requires freshening up and Hughes wants a creative midfielder, striker and right-back. Liverpool's Danny Ings is a loan option while there is interest in Augsburg's Daniel Opare. Shipping out Stoke are set to offload former England defender Glen Johnson, possibly on a free transfer, and Charlie Adam may move for more regular game time. Saido Berahino will not be allowed out on loan. Unexpected solution Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton on loan would offer some energy in midfield. Stoke City are unlikely to want to let Saido Berahino leave this month Credit: Rex Features Swansea City Will they be busy? They must be busy. Funds were to be made available to Paul Clement before his sacking, and that will surely not have changed. New manager Carlos Carvalhal seems confident of new arrivals, saying any players brought in will be his own picks. In need of To put it simply, goals. Clement knew as much before his sacking and was saying for weeks that Swansea must add attacking reinforcements. They could revive their interest in Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar, who was a target in the summer. Shipping out Swansea will be desperate to keep hold of defender Alfie Mawson, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United. The likes of Jay Fulton and Oliver McBurnie may want more game time elsewhere, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is out of contract in the summer so the club may be tempted to cash in while they still can. Unexpected solution If Carvalhal can help Renato Sanches rediscover his best form, Swansea may find the solution has been within their ranks all along. Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who himself only arrived at the club last week, is expected to add to his squad Credit: Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur Will they be busy? Spurs undoubtedly have their eyes on a couple of big signings while the focus will also be on whether Danny Rose stays – and whether he is sold to Manchester United with, possibly, Luke Shaw going in the other direction (unlikely). In need of Spurs need a player who can run at defenders and beat them. They want Everton’s Ross Barkley, and that seems highly possible, as does a move for Fulham’s highly-promising teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon who may even be loaned back to the Championship club. Shipping out The focus will be on Rose, no longer an automatic first-choice, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou a possibility to leave while Kyle Walker-Peters could go out on loan. Vincent Janssen, on loan at Fenerbahce, may be sold. Unexpected solution Maybe, to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, they may also take his twin brother Steven as well. Danny Rose may no longer be a Spurs player by the end of the month Credit: GETTY IMAGES Watford Will they be busy? Unlikely. Watford are going along well and in no real danger of relegation. They do not like to buy and sell in January and also believe they have a strong enough squad already to comfortably finish top-10. In need of They probably need another striker – goals from their forwards are in short supply and record signing Andre Gray has struggled to deliver. A left-back, also, is a possibility. Maybe also a more reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Shipping out Etienne Capoue is no longer as important to Watford as he was while Jose Holebas and Stefano Okaka would appear expendable if replacements are signed. Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was exposed after he came on against Everton. Unexpected solution A loan deal for Leicester City’s record signing, striker Islam Slimani. Marco Silva, the Watford manager, will probably have a quiet month Credit: Getty Images West Bromwich Albion Will they be busy? West Brom's wage bill is near the maximum so Alan Pardew will have to move players out - including £30m-rated Jonny Evans - to bring players in. Pardew may have to be patient. In need of Goals. West Brom's 'goals for' column makes embarrassing reading and Salomon Rondon is sadly not the man to fire the club to safety. Liverpool's Danny Ings, Bournemouth's Benik Afobe and Sunderland's Lewis Grabban are all targets. Shipping out Albion's transfer policy for January could all depend on the Evans situation. Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are still interested in the Northern Ireland international, who will cost around £30m. Pardew could also end Grzegorz Krychowiak's loan from PSG if another club comes in. Unexpected solution Ings has been a target for Pardew at Newcastle and Palace and would offer West Brom a goal threat if he can stay fit. West Brom may have to sell Jonny Evans in order to raise funds for new players Credit: Action Images West Ham United Will they be busy? David Moyes has steadied the club and the clamour for change is less acute. Even so he has said that he wants to rebalance the squad to address problem areas. In need of The obvious position is central midfield and Jonjo Shelvey has been linked. They also want a centre-back with the possibility that Reece Oxford could be recalled from loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. Shipping out There has been interest from bigger names in the Portuguese teenager Domingos Quina, snapped up by the club when he was a free agent. They may sell off current loanee Robert Snodgrass. Academy boys Reece Bruke and Josh Cullen have also attracted interest. Unexpected solution Jack Wilshere, but recent performances have made him more important to Arsenal.